Go for it! It’s a blast. You can get started relatively cheap if you have a shotgun (or use your bow) You don’t have to be a great caller with expensive calls, don’t have to worry about scent, you can move around, and it’s very entertaining to strike up a conversation with a Tom or a hen for that matter. One of the most interactive hunts and a great way to get youth involved in the outdoors.
Growing up my family or friends didn’t turkey hunt but I knew it was something I wanted to get into. I read a lot and watched videos, mostly turkey call and turkey thugs because it was available and they talk about strategies and tactics. I drove my family nuts practicing calling while watching video of live turkeys. I got somewhat proficient at a few different calls and before you know it I’m out in the woods looking for mr. Tom.
I will never forget my first time out. I had a spot in mind from witnessing a large flock during bow season, and had a fairly good idea of the birds travel pattern/area. I snuck in there about 60yds from the edge of an oak flat. Sure enough from the sound of an owl hoot the Tom fired off. I got set up and waited for it to get light, facing the direction I thought the Tom would exit. In the distance I could hear a hen just waking up preparing to fly down. I figured its now or never to get him to come my way before she takes him off so I made a few soft yelps (in the early days my calling was anything but soft) and slapped my hat on my leg simulation a fly-down. I figured I scared him off after not hearing a sound from his direction. The woods is still and quiet when all of a sudden a booming-earth shaking gobble- the type that makes your heart skip a beat-filled to air. I think I jumped about a foot. He had to be almost in my lap, and I never knew he was there. The turkey circled back to where he came from and all I could see was him weaving through the trees away from me. Talk about exciting. I’ve been hooked ever since. I tried to get on the bird again later that spring with no luck. He would keep his distance and gobble all morning. I never did get a turkey that first year, but I think that helped my stay motivated to get better. I killed him the next year by calling from a similar location and when he moved out from his roost location I circled back and gave him just a few sort yelps. He came in on a string and I shot him at 18yds. That was my first turkey.
I have killed a bird every year after that and called in birds for my daughter and my dad. I called in a Merrium for my dad last year, in Wisconsin. Apparently the dnr released a few of them. I don’t consider myself a great caller, but you don’t need to be. The cadence is more important than the sound quality. Just get out there and have fun. It’s a great time of year to be out in the woods!
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. I’m turning em on to saddles and will be hunting in Iowa with the boys soon!!!
. I’m turning em on to saddles and will be hunting in Iowa with the boys soon!!!
